Waste Water

North Liberty’s waste water treatment plant underwent a major renovation and upgrade in 2008 to meet the growing population of North Liberty. A state-of-the-art bio-membrane reactor plant, which uses filters to remove particles larger than .004 µ (there are 25400 microns in an inch). The plant’s upgrade from a conventional treatment facility vastly improved the output, and has benefited the local ecosystem, with fish and other wildlife able to return to Muddy Creek immediate adjacent to the plant.

The $8.4 million plant was the first membrane bio-reactor plant in Iowa and has been awarded the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, Special Recognition for Water Quality in July 2009, a prestigious award recognizing leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa’s natural resources. The project was also recognized with a 1st Place Overall from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Iowa Grand Conceptor Award and in the Water and Waste Water category in 2010, and a National Finalist Award from 2010 National Finalist Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies in Washington, D.C. In July 2010, the plant recognized as a top performer, and featured in the industry publication Treatment Operator Magazine for its cleanliness.

The current facility is designed to process nearly 3.4 million gallons per day. To meet North Liberty’s continued growth, an expansion project began in 2015 to increase the plant’s capacity to about 5.3 million gallons per day.